Surface Line Week 2011 Concludes

From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Surface Line Week 2011 (SLW) concluded with an awards ceremony and picnic on board Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 19.

SLW is a 10-day contest sponsored by, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) that features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of seamanship and sporting events.

"We had nearly 2,500 participants in 33 different events and the Sailors did a great job," said Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Richard Hunt. "We have been celebrating SLW for 30 years. SLW gives us the opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy camaraderie, and participate in friendly competition."

Commands were categorized according to size, and trophies were awarded for first, second, and third place in each category. In the large command category, USS Peleliu (LHA 5) took home the top prize and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) took second place. In the medium command category, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) came in first place, USS Stockdale (DDG 106) second, and USS Benfold (DDG 65) third. For the small command category, USS Warrior (MCM 10) placed first, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron was second, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit placed third. Individual winners in their respective categories were also announced and awarded.

"Peleliu's Sailors have been very enthusiastic about participating in all the events for Surface Line Week," said Peleliu Commanding Officer Capt. James Cox. "I'm very proud of them and they've done a great job. They dove into the competition full of enthusiasm, did very well, and we were able to take home the first place trophy. This is just a continuation of what the Sailors have done and will continue to do."

This year, participants competed in events, including perennial favorites such as basketball, softball and golf, along with damage control, ship handling and marksmanship.

"SLW overall was a great success this year. There was a lot of participation and the Sailors brought their best game to each event," said Lt. Jasmine Gough, coordinator for SLW. "The Sailors were competitive, but they never lost sight of being a good shipmate, and they supported one another even if they were not on the same team."

"This is the first time I've participated in Surface Line Week," said Yeoman Seaman Nick Jones. "It was cool to see everyone competing against each other. Next year I'm going to sign up for more events."